Virtual Ride of Bankhead Parkway

Description

This old crumbling road was closed years ago when the ground became unstable from heavy vehicle traffic. Nevertheless, the closure to automobile traffic came at the benefit of mountain bikers and hikers by offering an easier alternative to the Sinks Trail or the Mountain Mist Trail for ascending the east slope of the mountain to the plateau.

Watch out for sections of the pavement that have collapsed, especially when taking this trail downhill. Also, when taking this trail downhill, keep an eye out for hikers and uphill mountain bikers (and road bikers). Some of the locations with collapsed pavement are not wide enough for two-way hiker/biker traffic.